I think the parts that I love the most about these recent chapters is the back and forth dialogue between Leliel (or at least I think that's Leliel) and Shinji.

The Shinji in this story is a lot more adjusted than his original counterpoint, a lot more accepting of his flaws, and is able to call bullshit on his old values when even called out upon them.

In the old series, Shinji was so wrapped up with his faults and flaws (being called a "pervert", not having any value outside of Evangelion, making mistakes, or having to be "perfect" so he would have any value in the eyes of others.), that even IF he was perfect, it wouldn't be enough for him to not be paranoid of the people around him and how they would view him. Thankfully, due to the efforts of the Doctor and some healthy psychology, this Shinji now realizes that such views are immensely unhealthy and that it's natural for people to make mistakes. The trick is that you have to be willing to admit you made mistakes and work towards atoning for it, not wallowing in self-pity thinking that nothing you do will make anything better.

Heck, I'm detecting a bit of "Doctor-isms" in Shinji's dialogue, and that just makes me squee with joy seeing how Shinji has improved.

"You're na�ve, Cecil. Even knowing betrayal and despair, you would depend on the whims of others?" - Golbez---------------------------------------Sephiroth: "Do you miss the Light?"Golbez: "Hmph...I merely have duties to fulfill."Sephiroth: "Too close to the brightness, and you may get scorched."Golbz:.............Golbez: Your loss can strengthen you. "NGE Shinji is broken, Manga Shinji is an asshole, Rebuild Shinji is an idiot. Which is best? Uh, can I get some other options? All of these really suck." -Bagheera

Greatness can't be rush. Take all the time you need philopoemen, we can be patient.

"You're na�ve, Cecil. Even knowing betrayal and despair, you would depend on the whims of others?" - Golbez---------------------------------------Sephiroth: "Do you miss the Light?"Golbez: "Hmph...I merely have duties to fulfill."Sephiroth: "Too close to the brightness, and you may get scorched."Golbz:.............Golbez: Your loss can strengthen you. "NGE Shinji is broken, Manga Shinji is an asshole, Rebuild Shinji is an idiot. Which is best? Uh, can I get some other options? All of these really suck." -Bagheera

"You're na�ve, Cecil. Even knowing betrayal and despair, you would depend on the whims of others?" - Golbez---------------------------------------Sephiroth: "Do you miss the Light?"Golbez: "Hmph...I merely have duties to fulfill."Sephiroth: "Too close to the brightness, and you may get scorched."Golbz:.............Golbez: Your loss can strengthen you. "NGE Shinji is broken, Manga Shinji is an asshole, Rebuild Shinji is an idiot. Which is best? Uh, can I get some other options? All of these really suck." -Bagheera